FARMINGTON — Local businesses have organized a campaign to help needy children prepare for school and are enlisting the help of shoppers in the effort.

From now through Aug. 11, select stores will participate in the Apple Tree program, with apples marked with the name of a child and a needed back-to-school item, according to a press release.

Families or individuals can select an apple and purchase the items, which should be new and unused, to help children from the Road Home family shelter.

“Purchasing one extra item while doing your back-to-school shopping makes a big difference and will give each deserving child a boost of confidence and help them have a positive start to the new school year,” said Chris Thomas, president of Intrepid in a press release. Intrepid, a communications agency, is organizing this year’s campaign.

Thirty-three stores along the Wasatch Front are helping in the effort. Davis County stores participating are Old Navy, 270 N. East Promontory, at Station Park in Farmington, and Payless at 312 N. Marketplace Drive in Centerville. Layton stores include DownEast, at 411 W. 1425 North and Payless, at 729 King Street, Suite 100.

Clothing and backpacks donated in the campaign will go to children living at the Road Home before the school year begins. Organizers hope to help more than 100 children in the effort.